[CINC] Condor Express 9/18/2013

[A ROSE MESSINA]

Sightings:
3 Humpbacks
5 Minkes
600 Dolphins
6 Bottlenose Dolphins

We left the harbor under overcast skies fairly calm seas and headed east to find whales.  We encountered "Chopper"-- the humpback named by the Condor for his interesting behavior of remaining on the surface after a dive and opening and closing his mouth several times.  Captain Dave speculated that he may be cleaning some of the food off the baleen.  We stayed with him for about an hour before searching for more wildlife.

We spent time with two more humpbacks feeding off  Carpenteria Beach, much to the pleasure of the passengers.  The dolphins were in three distinct groups with lots of babies, playing with the boat and performing for the crowd.  When we entered the harbor at the end of the trip we were greeted by 6 Bottlenose Dolphin who led us east on a tour past some of the anchored boats for the Grand Finale of the day. 

Happy passengers were from England, Belgium, Germany, Florida, Minnesota, Montana and California.

Thanks to Captain Dave and crew for another wonderful day on the water. 

Rose Messina, Natalie Swan, Lisa Angle PID
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